Bad habits & a DIY - Guest Post By Shanda Neighbors

This weekend did not go as planned. Me thinks I may have over scheduled yet again. For the purpose of this post we'll just called that bad habit #1. I wanted to turn the soil in the vegetable garden, and address the weeds there. I also wanted to expand the garden 

area. That was the priority.

Instead, I worked on this dresser. Enter bad habit #2: the unwillingness to adapt focus to ever changing circumstances, and environments. Also known as inflexibility. What is started must be finished, so I finished the other dresser, the sister to this.

From that:

To this:
 

If you look in the mirror you can see its previously finished mate. Yes, our bedroom looks a hot mess! Now you know why I'm doing all of this DIY stuff. I'm hoping I'll have pics of my bedroom redo on the cheap, in a few weeks. Maybe I'll even be brave enough to share them. Anyhow, somewhere in the middle of the dresser redo, I decided the project wasn't living up to expectation. Bad habit #3: unrealistic expectations. I hate when the projected outcome is not the reality. For a number of reasons this dresser is the poster child. I decided, it's time I make my peace with disappointment. Besides, I like it better as it is now, than it was, so I'm gonna keep the dresser as is...for now.  I can't promise I won't cave and fix it later. :)

Cherio!

Drab To Fab - Old Dresser Makeover

Top pic: pennypincherfashion  Bottom pic: designsponge

Maybe it's my penchant to pull for the underdog or maybe I just like the challenge of fixing broken things. ....whatever it is .....it makes me gravitate to old dressers like a moth to a flame.  I mean seriously.  The more messed up the better, I aint scared!  My only criteria is, the piece has to have good bones or a solid structure. Once I have a good base to work from, the sky is the limit.

Here are a few ways to put new life into old beat up dressers. 

PAINT IT!
As a artist, whenever I get a chance to use my creativity for something practical it makes me all sorts of happy.  So, when I saw this gorgeous redone dresser by go.tipjunkie I just knew I had make one of my own.  It is hand painted, the dresser was painted white then the branches was added in acrylic.  The birds however were cut out images that was decoupaged unto the dresser. How smart is that...hand painted furniture like this cost thousands.

I adore the color on this piece from migonishome So fresh, romantic and glamorous.  All that from a can of paint.  

su-casa.casasugar

Who wouldn't want a piece like this, the color is delicious!

gingerandgold

And check out this stunning piece, could you believe it once looked like the picture below? 

Dark brown paint and metal studs from Walmart transformed this ugly duckling into a swan. 

 A-m-a-z-i-n-g.

WALLPAPER IT!

pika-peeks

By far the easiest technique to do, wall paper is instant gratification.  Find a tutorial here on this process.

radcrafter

curbly

boxhouseblog

ADD SOME BLING!

blissfullydomestic

In the decorating world, mirrors and crystal chandeliers = BLING.  If you are a little more adventurous like I am, add mirrors to your dresser.  Just measure and have them cut for you.  After that, all you have to do is glue them on and have your husband/hubby or some one handy to drill holes for your draw pulls......and viola!  Not bad for a piece of furniture that you are gonna love! It sure beats spending $2,000 on a ready made mirrored dresser.  This one looks fantastic for less than $50.00.  Cha- ching!

Well, there you have it.  I hope this post makes you think twice before you toss that old dresser to the curb.  It may be a diamond in the rough.

Cherio!

1930's Style - I Just Cant Get Enough!

I am seriously smitten with 1930's style furniture, fashion and design.  I mean seriously.  Perhaps because everything looked so luxurious and glam then.....and effort was put into even the most minute detail.

Amazing craftsmanship was the norm then too, and not just for the rich.  Though I wasn't born in that era it is definitely my favorite by far.  So what's a girl to do if she wants to find authentic 1930's pieces.....in 2011...and not have a cardiac arrest from the prices?

Well, here is what I do.  Two words, Craigslist and Ebay!  I stalk these sites like you won't believe.  Like "eye of the tiger", relentless.  After all, the very day I fail to check may be the day my dream piece is listed.  Just sayin. 

 There is no better example of this than the pictures below.  I had been looking for a real specific type of couch from the 1930's and I had searched for months and then bam!  (ha ha, yes I said bam)  It happened.  This gorgeous perfect couch that had all the elements I wanted. And trust me I am very nit picky, but that's another post entirely. 

This couch also came with a love seat. How neat is that!  

My favorite part is the tufted back and the gently sloped arms.  So classic, so 1930's lux.  Oh, and would you believe it's also extremely comfortable too? Yup, sure is. 

Another great feature of this couch is the legs.   Though you can't see it here, the legs are exactly like the modern reproduction below.  So, if I take of the skirt I will have a couch that has both modern and vintage elements. Perfect! 

Now that I have my couch, I am looking for a French Provential dresser like the one pictured here or similar.   I  am so excited to see what I will find.  Who knows....   One thing I do know for sure is, I will never, ever settle for less than what I really want.  This is a principal that I have applied to all aspects of my life,.  Be patient. Work hard. And go get it!  Period.

Cherio!

Update, Organize And Refresh Your Home Office. Yes You Can!

If I were a super hero, my kryptonite would be clutter.  Put me in a very disorganized and chaotic work space and if I cannot get it fixed pronto, I melt down like ice cream on a hot plate.  I know, it sounds crazy but its true.  With this firmly in mind I decided to revamp my home office.  When am done it will be functional, stylish and tailor made to fit my personality.  I am so excited!

Personally, I only want the bare essentials on my desk like the computer, phone, and a note pad.  Everything else usually is within arms reach but organized in a drawer out of sight.  My only exception to this is if there is shelving above my desk.  These shelves can be used for storage and to stylize the office as well so I add personal things I enjoy like beautiful hardcover books and my favorite pottery.  Items like framed Art, potted plants, and other momentos are also a great choice to personalize an office.  Be careful not to over accessorize though, make careful selections for your display. Remember:  Its harder for something to stand out if everything else is clamoring for attention. 

Easy Tips & Tricks

1.  Desks, metal and wood filing cabinets can often be updated with spray paint.  

You can also improve desks and define the space by covering drawer faces and walls with wall paper.  If you a have a desk that do not match your filing cabinet, try one of these ideas for a more unified look.  Tip:  If possible, put your desk near a window that overlooks the  garden or scenery you enjoy for added tranquility and natural light. 

2. Storage is vitally important to keep your office organized, clutter free and it can also add personality to your work space.  Stop looking at storage bins/units as just a necessity and challenge yourself to embrace the creative possibilities.

3. Trash containers used to be another of those office necessities that you just buy and use without much thought.  Not any more. There are so many stylish trash containers available now, so buy something you really like.

4.  If you have a wooden desk that is a little dated or scratched, why not spruce it up?  You can paint it a beautiful color of your choice, add a glass top, even decoupage it.  The sky is the limit.

5.  Define your office space by using a free-standing decorative screen, wall art, or an area rug.

Whatever improvements you decide to make to your office, remember to enjoy the experience.  After all this is one makeover that will bring you countless returns! Literally.

For more ideas check out these links

http://www.homeydesigning.com/201001/home-office-design-ideas-from-pottery-barn.html

http://www.thelennoxx.com/browse-by-style/classic/design-ideas-for-your-home-office/

http://archinhome.com/tag/home-office-pictures/

http://www.decorpad.com

Mirror Mirror On The Wall

Now I know it sounds a little shallow to say I fell "in love" with a piece of furniture but I think this is the only expression that explains how much I completely adore Venetian mirrors and furniture.  Maybe its because Venetian style was inspired by Venice, and what's not to love about Italy?  Its the birth place of Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Raphael, just three little reasons why Italy is "all that" and an extra large sack of chips. Italy is the birth place of the most amazing Art ever created and is world renowned for its craftsmanship, not to mention its ability to continue creating at this standard.

The pictures shown here are just a coveted few of the the pieces I am planning to buy.  This may not be for everyone but I can truly say this is definitely a style that makes me very happy.

* Tip:  if you are afraid to go all the way with this and just want a a little of this style, just measure your dresser top (width and length) and have a piece of mirror cut for it.  You would be surprised at how this simple little thing will transform the look of your dresser. Absolutely gorgeous!

Want to see more beautiful Venetian furniture and accessories?  Check out the sites responsible for most of the images below:

www.arhzine.com
www.lecotefrancais.com
www.decorpad.com
www.shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com

Francais Anyone?

Over the last few months, I've found myself gazing longingly through my rose colored glasses at French chateaus, furniture and tapestry much like the ones in this post.  Now, it took me a long time to figure out how someone who loves clean lines and uncomplicated design could be so infatuated with French design.  The answer to this is, I have no clue.  Its funny but honestly at this point I have to agree that opposites do attract.  One of the things I discovered though is that French design is so vast as far as the periods and styles of design. For instance, some of the French Provencial furniture combines clean lines and elaborate design so I totally love this style.  On the other hand French Rococo is very ornate and dramatic so you have to really like this style to be able to live with it everyday.  Over all I think French design is the stuff! Well, don't take my word for it, check it out.

More French design at these links:

www.classics-direct.co.uk

http://christianbernardfurniture.com/tag/vintage-french-provincial/

http://www.etsy.com/people/paintedcottages